Forwarded from a local board that I am on... yes, it's HO stuff but I know some of us "multi-scale" and besides, there's more traffic here... Subject: Model RR Club of Buffalo Break-in I apologize for the off list content but I wanted to get this out so people could keep there eyes open. Last week at some point between Friday Night and Monday morning (6/14) a person or persons broke into the Model RR Club of Buffalo and stole hundreds of pieces of equipment from the HO layout. The majority of the equipment stolen was of modern models and roads, (CR, CSX, CP, Soo, NFRC (club road)) The perp took 28 locomotives, and around a 300 freight cars (We are still counting them). Notable items stolen included a 30 car Somerset coal train and a 20 car ML train composed of custom tagged Walthers Autoracks. In addition, Every single Stack and trailer train enough for 3 twenty car trains was taken. The perp even took all the containers and trailers that was being used as scenery in the intermodal yard. All of the locomotives had DCC installed except for the few dummy engines. A few buildings including a Walthers Walton and Son Lumber Yard and a City Classics Roberts Road Mobile Home were also taken. The club is still in the process of documenting all the stolen merchandise and is cooperating with the Town of Tonawanda Police Department to find the thief. The main reason for this email is to alert all modelers in the Western New York area to be alert. Most if not all of the equipment stolen was not boxed which may make it tougher to sell. Thank you for indulging me for a few minutes. Best Regards, Brian J Carlson P.E. President of the Model RR Club of Buffalo http://buffalocentral.railfan.net/
Brian, Also very angering and sad news. Just like the theft from Wig-Wag Trains, I am outraged. It is good that you report it here so that all of us can be on the lookout for stolen goods. My thoughts are with you and all your club members.
As I was posting this I was wondering whether I should be so forward with my Chantilly travel plans... i.e. posting them on public forums... Well, I won't be so forward about my home protection plans...
The fact that this was targeted at specific items raises the possibility of someone or more that truly knew the club, the layout or the equipment. I was a member of an O club that 35+ years ago was hit. The items were picked through. Eventually it appeared to tie to a member who (IIRC) disappeared just about the same time as the theft. Nobody is immune to this type of despicable act. Some modelers selling an estate at the Model Train Expo in Pomona were hit for 4 brass locos and they had 3-4 people monitoring the booth all day. We lost several buildings at the same show. Multi-gaugers please keep your eyes open and even if it seems just a bit strange to find the items in the setting where they are available or how they are available for sale, contact the group so they can follow-up.
You have totally hit on a subject that I have looked at on various forums and just shook my head. People who start the threads of "How many do you have?" and those that reply are advertising to get hit. People who are less than honest do frequent these boards. Some of them are smart enough to track the poster thru various means including what appears to be innocent communications. Folks, don't fall for these bragging threads unless your protection is as good as Ft. Knox or you can afford to lose your fleet. Theft happens and no amount of insurance can replace the excellent work done by any of the excellent modelers on the boards and whose names I won't list for just those reasons or whose I can't recall just at this moment.
George, I never thought of it that way. I'll keep that in mind next time I see a thread about how many new tunnel motors someone has... Just sick and wrong...
I don't know. To me this one kind of sounds like some guy looking to increase his own personal inventory. For sure he knew what he was getting....or so it would seem. In fact, I wouldn't be too surprised if it's someone tied to the club somehow. Either a club member or a recent club visitor. I never understood why people felt the need to steal.
Hehehe.... That and two BIG dogs in my case. But, since I just sold my entire inventory I guess I don't have too much of that to protect any more now do I??
I'm going to fire off an email to a couple folks at my club (Niagara Orleans Model Engineers) to give them the heads up, since this is in my neck of the woods. Pathetic people out there ... dunno what goes through people's minds to do these types of things.
George, Very, very good tips. We should all heed this good advice. George, my thoughts are with you on your recent theft also. All these thefts enrage me.
My condolences for your club's loss. At least if the criminal shows up at some other club with such a remarkable collection, the chances are better that somebody will have read this thread. If somebody steals money, it's totally anonymous and it's gone. The workmanship and extent of this collection will stand out, and I hope it gets the larcenous louse caught.
Hehehe.... That and two BIG dogs in my case. But, since I just sold my entire inventory I guess I don't have too much of that to protect any more now do I?? </font>[/QUOTE]I've got one big dog, but she's still a pup and she's not made the ranks of 100% watchdog just yet. BTW, those were good suggestions by George. Those roster posts are fun but it is very easy for someone to "hunt you down" so to speak and if they are of the criminal pursuasion then it might take very little to draw them your way. Same thing goes for the "I'm going railfanning for two weeks (and my house will be empty)" posts.
Sure sounds like the perp was at the very least familiar with model railroading. And had to know what was available there....... Boxcab E50
